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GCLS 2015 Fall Fundraiser: Nov. 1 - Dec. 31, 2015

The GCLS Annual Fall Fundraiser supplements our low-cost membership dues to cover our annual Operating Expenses (Technology, Events and Marketing). We keep our membership dues low to remain affordable for as many people as possible – an important aspect of our GCLS culture and history. Those who can afford more, donate.

Last year, our first annual fundraiser as a 501c3 organization raised $12,000 thanks to the challenge made by five women to our members to match their $5,000. We exceeded their challenge by $2,000! Congratulations everyone!

This year, six women have stepped forward and challenged us to match their $10,000. If 500 of our members were to donate just $20 each – we would meet their challenge! We know that not all of you are able to help – but perhaps those of us who can, could donate a little extra to help cover those who can’t.

As our numbers continue to grow, our costs for supporting and managing the GCLS naturally also increase, along with the general cost-of-living increases for events and general administration. Donating to support the organization means that we can:

Reach out to more women and grow our numbers;

Continue with the best membership management technologies & tools for non-profits such as ours;

Keep conference costs as affordable as possible;

Maximize our visibility at key lesbian and literary events;

Improve the quality and the affordability of our educational programs; and

Most importantly – these funds will provide us with the additional operating funds that grant and other funding institutions want to see coming from our members, thereby increasing our chances of eventually qualifying for outside funding and sponsorships for the organization.

The following is the plan for how these funds will be spent in the upcoming year (all numbers are estimates):

We truly value how supportive our members are of the GCLS. You have made it possible for the organization to become what it is today – a growing, exciting group that makes a difference in all our lives through promoting lesbian literature, opportunities for interactions between authors and readers, and helping (especially new) authors to become better writers. It boosts the morale of the Board to know that we have members who share our vision and believe in the importance of our mission.

As a member or friend of the GCLS, please consider donating to the organization so that we can better serve you and all our members. If you can add a little to make up for those who aren’t in a position financially to give support this year, we would truly appreciate it.

This year, we are also able to offer a monthly donation option that many have expressed an interest in, in the past.

If you are interested in including the GCLS as a beneficiary in your will, we have information available to help you make that decision, and how to make it legally. Please contact Liz Gibson (director@goldencrown.org) for more information.